Pepin’s Pharmaceutical Prattle for 11-01-2004

Quote of the day:

 I never vote for anyone; I always vote against.

W. C. Fields (1880 - 1946)

 Good morning ! 

Well it is the eve of the election. The only political ads you will see tomorrow are the ones disguised as news by the "impartial" media on both sides. There is nothing wrong with having a point of view, just don't pretend to be unbiased.  It is getting hard to sort through the hype of just about any "news" story anymore.  I see "spin" on just about every news report I see. I listen to it all and spend more time listening to sources with which I disagree than those with whom I generally agree.  I learn a lot.  I would have listened in on German or Japanese communications (if I knew the language) during World War II as a way to understand how the enemy thought.  Those who own the language of an argument often own the upper hand.  Listening to my "enemies" gives me insights into how they intend to "spin" news and the strategies they are likely to invoke.  Having had a significant amount of psychology and humanities during my "extra" year of college it is fun to see the "tricks" attempted.  Same goes for movies… it is interesting to see how a director can move an audience, bit by bit, into rooting for the person who is doing evil.  Next time you see a movie and find yourself cheering for a murderer or robber, ask yourself how you were manipulated into feeling that way.  It may shed some light on how others may move you, little by little into believing or doing something that is not in your character.  Sometime it is good to stop…. shut out the world….. and think about what you REALLY believe in.  Once you have found your "center" then you may also gain some insight into how those things that you recently espoused may differ from the "real" you.  Once "grounded" again you should protect yourself by trying to see behind the spin of each interpersonal encounter.

 Did I "spin" you? Do you now believe that you just might be a better person "at the heart" than the way you have been acting?  Are you going to be looking for spin today? If you feel that way then I accomplished my previously unstated bias: people want to do good and just need a little encouragement to "stay on the straight and narrow". 

 As far as pharmaceutical "prattle", my bias is to improve patient care and rests with safe and cost-effective therapy. Sometimes that means I'm "with" Pharma or  "The government". Other times I vote against them, in favor of rational therapy.

Steve

ps. Best answer this week to the question "How are you?" was "Superb!"  

1) Europe stands with the US

This has to be the biggest story of this year. The EU will uphold the export limits imposed by pharmaceutical companies to the need of each country's citizens. This avoids the "purchase at below market rates and sell to the rich Americans" ploy. If they had not ruled thus, then the entire world pharmaceutical market would have imploded.

http://www.pharmalive.com/news/index.cfm?articleid=185129&categoryid=9&newsletter=1#

2) Acid drugs cause pneumonia?

Drugs like Prilosec, Prevacid, and Zantac have been implicated in an increase in cases of pneumonia. It appears that the acid normally present in the stomach keep the bacteria at bay. By getting rid of the acid you eliminate one barrier to infection.

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=6618468

 Funny thing though… Tagamet wasn't implicated.

3) Now there are at least three SSRI anti depressants available as generics…

Fluoxetine (the drug formerly know as Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), and now some Celexa knock offs (generic Citalopram). More that one company was given "exclusive" marketing rights for 6 moths. Seems screwy but That's the FDA!

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/ticker/article.asp?Feed=BW&Date=20041028&ID=4061566&Symbol=US:RDY

4) The real reason for the flu crisis…

Realize that there might be some bias in this opinion section because Lilly is a major part of the Indianapolis economy. Still many valid points are made here…. and I'm sure that the trail lawyers association has a hand in it too. (Did I ever mention that I don't care for lawyers any more than mosquitoes?)

http://www.indystar.com/articles/5/189011-5845-021.html

5) In the pink in St Louis after the World Series losses…

In a great show of support for the fight against breast cancer, the great arch has been bathed in pink light. This is to remind everyone about National Breast Cancer Awareness month. I know several women who have had this and am hearten by the recent increase in awareness and support. Go Pink!

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/10014704.htm?1c

6) Oral vaccine against… I forget…oh yeah, Alzheimer's.

I'd take mine now as long as I can't get a flu shot this year. This would be GREAT if it works. I expect the vaccination to be approved sometime after 2006 when the Fed starts taking more financial burden.

http://scienceblog.com/community/article4455.html

 7) Driving under the influence of herbal Tea?

Yes! Drinking Kava, an "herbal tea", lead to the arrest and conviction of yet another motorist in California. Appears that motor skills are adversely affected. (also mentions other drugs …such as ibuprofen). Watch what you take before driving… and remember: It is OK to drink like a fish if you drink what fish drink!

 http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyID=6616667

 PS... Don't forget: to vote early and often!

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